Tired
of your Pulse Vacuum Hubs not working? Here's an option from AVM.

AVM
Manual Locking Hub Set For 1998 - Early 2000 Ford Rangers With Vacuum
Actuated Hubs (Will Not Work With Live Axles)

The
AVM Ford Ranger Locking Hubs are constructed of Military spec hardened
nylon center dial that will not damage other parts in unlikely event of a
failure. AVM is the actual Brazilian company that manufactures the manual
locking hubs for Superwinch, therefore you can rest assured that you will
get the top quality products.

Recognized
unanimously as The Tough Hub by many thousand satisfied Ranger owners
worldwide.

More
miles from your Ford Rangers front tires... since the manual locking
hubs rotate freely. Also allows you to steer more freely in turns

More
comfortable ride... steering is lighter, and there is less tendency to
shimmy; drivetrain noise and vibration is also reduced

Better
4WD... performance when the manual hubs are locked. Works in reverse
and compression braking. No slippage or partial engagement /
disengagement problems.

References
Part Number AVM 470 AVM470

Update:AVM developed a Manual Locking Hub that allowed for
positive engagement, of the 4 wheel drive system, eliminating the use of
the pulse vacuum style hub. Rugged Ridge acquired the exclusive rights to
this hub and is the only supplier to the aftermarket industry.

Are you tired of your Ranger's PVH (Pulse
Vacuum Hublock) system failing you when you need it most? Wish you could
swap on a set of manual locking hubs? AVM has heard your plea, and now
offers manual locking hubs for 98-00 Ranger 4x4 trucks. Read on for
information regarding this swap.

Note: These hublocks will NOT fit 2000+ Ranger 4x4s, due to
Ford's decision to switch in July of 2000 to the use of the live axle
setup found on Explorers.

Note: When reading this guide, the picture accompanying the step
will be located above the step.

Note: I, nor TRS, is responsible for any damage or injury caused
by this modification. This guide is based upon my experience with my
truck.

Tools Needed:

1-2 small flat head screwdrivers

Brake Cleaner, 5w20 Motor Oil (Optional)

Step 1: Jack up the front of the vehicle in a safe manner. Remove
the center caps and remove wheel/tire. You should be looking at the
original vacuum hubs.

Step 2: Remove the vacuum hublocks using whatever method works
best for you as outlined in the Tech Library of TRS. I recommend
constantly pulling on the hublock as you pry up on the retaining tabs
using the flat head screwdrivers working in a circle until the tabs
release the hublock.

Special Note:
If your hublocks are
rusted badly and will not release, it is possible that the inner hub
gear has corroded itself to the end of the axleshaft. If this is the
case, you will need to be prepared for a different and frustrating
repair. You will need to forcibly remove the hublock and possibly break
and plastic housing, leaving the inner guts inside the wheel bearing hub
assembly. If this happens, you will need a new wheel bearing assembly,
along with a new snap ring and a knuckle seal. All are available through
Ford. To get the rest of the hublock internals out, notch the outer lip
of the wheel bearing hub assembly at 12 and 6 o'clock. Then, preferably
with air tools, chisel out the hublock internals from the wheel bearing
assembly. Replace the wheel bearing assembly, knuckle seal, and snap
ring as outlined in other guides in the Tech Library of TRS. Continue to
Step 3.

Step 3: With the hublock removed, spray brake cleaner in the
wheel bearing hub assembly where the axleshaft passes through. Make sure
to get out all major dirt and grime to ensure a cleaner reassembly.
Remember, cleanliness is key with this 4WD system.

Step 4: Remove the old o-ring and install the new one supplied
with your AVM hubs.

Step 5: Look at our nice new hublock. It may say AVM or Rugged
Ridge on the label, either is fine as some companies have rebranded them
when they received them from AVM who is located in Brazil. Check to make
sure the locking mechanism functions properly.

Step 6 (Optional): This step is completely optional. I lightly
covered the hub internals with 5-20 Motor Oil to prevent corrosion and
ensure proper hub to axle engagement. I have found that on my vehicle
adding a LIGHT amount of 5w20 reduces harsh engagement and helps keep
the hublock's internal gears smooth and corrosion free.

Step 7: With the hublock prepped and the new o-ring installed, we
are ready to install the new AVMs. Turn the dial to the "Lock"
position, and slowly guide the hub onto the wheel bearing hub assembly.
If the hublock does not slide onto the wheel bearing assembly, turn the
axleshaft by hand until you feel the splines line up and the hublock
will slide into place. Make sure the hublock is fully seated and the
retaining tabs are secured in place.

Step 8: Our new hublock is on and ready to roll. Doesn't it look
pretty? Repeat steps 1-8 for the other side. Install the wheels/tires
and properly torque the lug nuts. Leave off the center caps as they will
cover the hubs preventing access to the locking mechanism.

Note: I am currently working on making the center caps work with
the AVM hubs and will update as soon as I am done.

To test their function, grab a buddy. Lock in the AVM hubs on both
sides. Start the vehicle and engage 4Hi at the transfer case. Put the
truck in reverse or drive/1st gear, and have your friend watch the front
axleshafts. The axleshafts should be turning with the wheels. Put the
truck in Park/Neutral with parking brake engaged. Unlock the AVM hubs.
Put the truck in reverse to ensure disengagement, and then slowly creep
forward. The front axleshafts should not be turning with the wheels.

Enjoy your newfound reliability!

AVM developed a Manual Locking Hub that allowed for
positive engagement, of the 4 wheel drive system, eliminating the use of
the pulse vacuum style hub. Rugged Ridge acquired the exclusive rights to
this hub and is the only supplier to the aftermarket industry.